A Year Of Data Shows Continued Changes To Energy Use

18 July 2012 MEDIA RELEASEA Year Of Data
Shows Continued Changes To Energy
Use

Christchurch energy use continues to show
ongoing changes associated with the 22 February 2011
earthquake, according to the CAfE Energy Database results
for the first full year of Christchurch energy monitoring.
The quake sequence led to increased contractor activity and
a decline in central city electricity use. These trends are
still evident in energy use figures.

The data for March
2011 to March 2012, showed a decline of 2.2% overall in
energy use with annual use of diesel up 6.5%, and
electricity and petrol down by 6.9% and 3.8%
respectively.

The data for the ‘earthquake impact’
(February to February) period which should not be confused
with the March to March year data above, shows that during
that period Christchurch energy consumption declined in the
city by 4%, compared to pre-earthquake energy use. Diesel
use was up 6.5% while electricity and petrol were down 9.2%
and 5.8% respectively.

Merv Altments, acting CAfE CEO,
says “the earthquakes have affected energy use but it is
too early to know whether any changes are permanent. Given
the likely timeframe of the recovery the trend is likely to
stay with us to stay for some time yet. When we launched the
Energy Database we said use was likely to return to
pre-earthquakes levels of energy consumption gradually, and
the figures support this. We’re still not clear what the
final mix of energy use will be but the Christchurch CBD
deconstruction and rebuild and the impact of programmes in
the next few years, including CAfE’s Energyfirst
initiative, are expected to result in long term energy-use
changes.

“For now the figures show a small decline in
electricity and petrol use, and an increase in diesel
use,” said Merv Altments. Overall energy consumption from
2008 to 2010 was relatively stable with seasonal variations.
The new figures point to a lingering change to Christchurch
energy use primarily as a result of earthquake displacement
and rebuilding activities.The database can be accessed
here:http://www.cafe.gen.nz/db

The Christchurch Energy Database is available with data
from January 2008 there are quarterly updates and data
releases updated quarterly. The energy database has been
developed for CAfE by Neo Leaf Global, a consultancy
specialising in the energy and infrastructure
sectors.The database can be accessed here:http://www.cafe.gen.nz/db

About
CAfE & the Energy DatabaseThe Christchurch Agency for
Energy (CAfE) Trust was established, as a charitable
organisation (Reg # 44869), by the Christchurch City Council
in partnership with a number of other organisations
to:•raise awareness and promote energy efficiency
initiatives and the use of renewable energy in
Christchurch;•reduce environmental problems caused by
the use of fossil fuels in Christchurch; and•introduce
initiatives to address the negative health and social
impacts caused by fuel poverty and energy affordability
issues in Christchurch.CAfE aims to support debate by
providing accurate information on current energy usage in
Christchurch.The CAfE Christchurch Energy Database data
is the first “real-time” energy data for any city in New
Zealand and shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels.
The figures provide a road map for energy initiatives and
changes to land transport, infrastructure and other
planning.CAfE is also the agency that is tasked with
investigating options for enhancing Christchurch’s energy
mix, such as the district heating project proposed in the
recently released draft Central City Plan.CAfE works
with Government, Councils, local businesses and building and
property owners.The board, chaired by Bob Parker,
includes Jill Atkinson, Sally Buck, Bill Highet, Alastair
Hines, Leonid Itskovich, Rob Jamieson, and Andy
Matheson.The acting Chief Executive is Merv
Altments.

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